Apparatus and method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly

ABSTRACT

A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further includes a backboard, and a hoop, a support arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and a guiding device. The support arm is moveable along the guiding device. At least one of the support arm and the guiding device is curved in shape. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly is moved from a first position inside the structure to a second position outside the structure.

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/504,150, filed Sep. 19, 2003, andentitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A RETRACTABLE BASKETBALL BACKBOARDAND HOOP ASSEMBLY”, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for aretractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular,to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assemblywhich can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to anin-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-useposition to a stored position or non-use position and a method of usingsame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of basketball is a very popular game which is traditionallyplayed with a backboard and hoop which can typically be mounted on arigid structure, a building, and/or a pole, or other structure.Basketball is a game which is traditionally enjoyed during good weather.However, during snow, rain, ice, extreme hot and/or humid weather,and/or other inclement weather conditions, basketball playing can becurtailed due to the adverse effects these weather and/or environmentalconditions may have on individuals. In these situations, the individualsdesiring to play basketball must typically seek an alternate venue forplaying the game.

Sports or athletic facilities have been known to install a fixedbasketball backboard and hoop assembly or assemblies in walled courts orfacilities, such as, for example, handball courts, racquetball courts,or other courts or facilities. Once installed, however, the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly or assemblies can interfere with other usesof the court or facility, thereby rendering the court or facilityunsuitable for use as a handball court, a racquetball court, or othercourt or facility which requires freedom from obstructions.

The need for providing a safe structure for deploying the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly is yet another problem which can constrainthe play of basketball. Currently, portable basketball backboard andhoop assemblies are available which can be transported from outdoorlocations to indoor locations in order to allow for play duringinclement weather. These portable units, however, can be awkward to moveor transport and/or may not be easily maneuvered by younger individuals.Portable backboard and hoop assemblies can also present a danger oftipping over, consume limited garage storage space, and/or can be hit byautomobiles.

Another concern lies in the fact that certain municipalities haveordinances and/or other local laws which prohibit the installation ofbackboard and hoop assemblies on the exterior of garages, homes, and/orother structures.

In one prior art basketball backboard and hoop arrangement, U.S. Pat.No. 4,934,696 discloses a backboard and hoop assembly which is attachedto a moveable garage door. This prior art assembly has severaldisadvantages associated therewith. For example, the assembly can onlybe utilized outdoors, its installation on the garage door can violatemost manufacturer use and maintenance guidelines because of weightimbalances caused thereby, the garage door may require a prop or otherdevice to hold it open, the basketball assembly can pose a risk ofhitting a car when the garage door is opened or closed, the basketballassembly can take up or reduce available parking space, and/or thebasketball assembly can pose a safety risk to individuals during garagedoor opening and/or closing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for aretractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular,to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assemblywhich can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to anin-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-useposition to a stored position or non-use position and a method of usingsame. The retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatuscan be mounted inside a structure or outside a structure and can bedeployed from a stored position or non-use position to an in-useposition. When mounted inside a structure, the retractable basketballbackboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to a position outside thestructure for use. When storage is desired, the retractable basketballbackboard and hoop assembly can be retracted back to the stored positionor non-use position and/or can be retracted back inside the structure tothe stored position or non-use position, whichever the case may be.

The retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus can bemounted at any location inside or outside any structure and theretractable feature of the apparatus can be used in any desired manner.The apparatus of the present invention can be used for outdoor playand/or indoor play depending on the desired application.

The apparatus of the present invention can include an activation deviceor motor which can be utilized to actuate and drive a drive mechanism.The activation device or motor can be an electric motor, a garage dooropener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, a vacuumdevice, or any mechanically actuated device, and/or any combination ofthe above-described devices.

The activation device or motor can also be capable of being activatedand operated manually in the event of a power failure or device failureso as to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assemblyapparatus of the present invention. Any appropriate mechanicalassemblies and/or devices can be used in connection with the apparatusof the preset invention.

The drive mechanism can be connected to, or be mechanically linked to orwith, the activation device or motor so as to be directly driven by theactivation device or motor.

The apparatus can also include a guiding device which is used to supporta support arm which is connected to and supports the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly of the apparatus. The support arm isslideably moveable along and/or within the guiding device. The supportarm can have longitudinal slots located along and through the sidesthereof. The support arm can be slideably situated within the guidingdevice by using a support arm alignment bolt or other hardware, whichcan facilitate the slideable movement of the support arm along and/orwithin the guiding device. The hardware can also serve to secure thesupport arm to the guiding device.

The support arm can slide in both directions along and/or within theguiding device by sliding along the longitudinal slots along mountinghardware of the guiding device.

The support arm can also be designed and can be built or constructed insections which can allow for the support arm to be deployed and/orretracted telescopically.

The drive mechanism can be mechanically connected to, or coupled to orwith, the support arm and can serve to cause the support arm to belongitudinally moveable along and/or within the guiding device in bothdirections of movement. The activation device/drive mechanism can beutilized in order to move the support arm and the basketball backboardand hoop assembly connected thereto from a stored position to an in-useposition and to move the support arm and the basketball backboard andhoop assembly from the in-use position to the stored position. Theactivation device can be located and/or can be mounted adjacent to theguiding device such as by using any appropriate mounting or supportelement.

The basketball backboard and hoop assembly typically includes abackboard and a basketball hoop. The basketball hoop has attachedthereto a basketball net which can be manufactured from any suitablematerial. The basketball hoop can be attached to the backboard or to thesupport arm via a hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting elementor hardware. The hoop support hinge or other suitable mounting elementor hardware can be capable of providing both horizontal and verticalmovement of the basketball hoop relative to the backboard. The hoopsupport hinge or other suitable mounting element or hardware can alsofacilitate respective horizontal and/or vertical rotation needed inorder to deploy the hoop from the stored position to the in-use positionand from the in-use position to the stored position.

In another embodiment, the hoop can be fixedly mounted to or on,attached to, or directly connected with, the support arm therebydispensing with the use of, and need for, a hoop support hinge. In suchan embodiment, the hoop can be mounted to or on, attached to, orconnected to, the end of the support arm, and/or at any other suitablelocation on the support arm.

The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be attached to thesupport arm via a backboard pivot hinge or other suitable mountingelement or hardware.

A coupling device which is attached to the drive mechanism can also beconnected to or with, or coupled with, the backboard support arm tofacilitate movement in the support arm and/or movement of the supportarm. The coupling device can also be attached to a backboard supportbracket which can also be attached to the backside or non-playing sideof the backboard. The coupling device can also be attached to a hoopdeployment push arm which is also attached to the hoop.

The guiding device can be mounted to the inside of the wall of thestructure within which it is housed. The apparatus can be mounted withina building, a residential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium,a garage, an attic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or withinany other suitable structure. The guiding device can be mounted to theinside of a wall or other structure via a mounting support arm ormounting support arms which can be attached to the guiding device. Themounting support arm or mounting support arms can be connected to theguiding device by using any suitable hardware. The mounting support armor mounting support arms can also be attached to wall mounting bracketswhich wall mounting brackets can be attached to the inside of the wallor other structure by using any suitable hardware.

The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can be of a fixedlength or can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination viaa mounting support arm(s) activation device or motor so as to adjust theangle of inclination of the guiding device and the support arm in orderto be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoopassembly. The mounting support arm or mounting support arms can also beadjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination via a mountingsupport arm or mounting support arms manual adjustment device, ormotorized adjustment device, so as to adjust the angle of inclination ofthe guiding device and the support arm so as to be able to manuallyadjust the height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly. Thisadjustment can take place during deployment of the basketball backboardand hoop assembly to the playing position or after deployment so as tochange the elevation of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly fromone playing elevation to another.

The apparatus of the present invention can be positioned inside astructure and/or behind a wall or roof. The wall or roof can contain anaperture through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and atleast a portion of the support arm can pass. The basketball backboardand hoop assembly can be foldable in order to allow its passage throughthe aperture. The basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be foldedin any appropriate or suitable manner.

Although described as being stored within a structure when not in use,the apparatus of the present invention can also be located or positionedon an exterior of a structure or wall.

The aperture can have associated therewith a hinged cover which coversthe aperture when the apparatus is not in use and stored within thestructure. The cover can be spring biased by a closing device so as tocause the cover to return to the closed position upon the return of thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly to the stored position. The covercan be located at any suitable location at, about, or adjacent to, theaperture.

The aperture should be large enough to facilitate the passingtherethrough, in both directions, of the folded basketball backboard andhoop assembly and the pertinent portion of the support arm.

The guiding device and the support arm can be positioned horizontally,essentially horizontally, and/or at any angle of inclination. Thesupport arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can bedeployed horizontally, essentially horizontally, and/or at or along anyangle of inclination.

The apparatus can be utilized in the following manner. When in thestored position, the apparatus can be deployed for use in the followingmanner. The activation device can be activated by a switch or by awireless remote control device in order to actuate and drive the drivemechanism. The drive mechanism can be moved along with the couplingdevice so as to move the support arm and the basketball backboard andhoop assembly in the direction of deployment and through the aperture tothe exterior of the structure or towards the in-use position.

Once the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is deployed to thein-use position, the continued action of the activation device and themovement of the drive mechanism and coupling device will unfold thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly to the in-use and uprightposition, such as by moving the backboard support bracket to the in-useposition thereby causing the backboard to be moved to the upright andin-use position, and by moving the hoop deployment push arm to thein-use position which deploys the hoop to the in-use position.

The drive mechanism, the coupling device, the support arm, the backboardsupport bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm, can be designed to beactivated or actuated sequentially in any appropriate order or sequenceconsistent with the design and use of the apparatus.

The drive mechanism can drive or actuate each of the coupling deviceand, in turn, the support arm thereby driving the basketball backboardand hoop assembly and the pertinent portion of the support arm throughthe aperture, moving the cover of the aperture to the open position, andtowards the in-use position until the basketball backboard and hoopassembly reaches and is deployed to the in-use position. The continuedoperation of the drive mechanism drives or moves the backboard supportbracket, so as to deploy the backboard to the upright position, therebyunfolding the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and drives ormoves the hoop deployment push arm to drive or move the hoop to thein-use position.

In this regard, the above-described deployment sequence can first movethe support arm and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly outthrough the aperture, opening the cover of the aperture in the process,deploy the backboard to the upright and in-use position and rotate thehoop horizontally, essentially horizontally, or near horizontally, tothe in-use position.

When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assemblyto the stored position, the above operation can be performed in reverse.

The activation device can be used to perform the full deployment andretraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly by controllingand effectuating the driving or movement of the coupling device, thesupport arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment pusharm. In another embodiment, a separate activation device or motor can beutilized in order to control and effectuate the driving or movement ofany one or more of the coupling device, the support arm, the backboardsupport bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm.

Separate activation devices or motors can be utilized to control andeffectuate the movement of one or more of the coupling device, thesupport arm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment pusharm. A separate activation device or motor can be utilized to controland effectuate the movement of each of the coupling device, the supportarm, the backboard support bracket, and the hoop deployment push arm. Inembodiments where multiple activation devices or motors are utilized, acentral control device can be used to control and effectuate thesequential activation of the respective activation devices or motors.

In another embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present inventioncan be utilized in conjunction with a curved guiding device and a curvedsupport arm. In this embodiment, the manner in which the curved supportarm deploys through the structure can allow for an adjustable backboardheight.

The guiding device can be curved and/or shaped in any degree ofcurvature consistent with its use. The support arm can also be curved orshaped so as to be capable of being utilized with the curved guidingdevice.

The curved or shaped support arm can also be designed and can be builtin sections which can allow for the support arm to be deployed and/orretracted telescopically.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation ofthe respective apparatuses or embodiments can be activated automaticallyso that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be deployed to anin-use position automatically and/or so that the basketball backboardand hoop assembly can be retracted to a stored position or non-useposition automatically. In such an embodiment, the respective activationdevice can be activated by a switching device which can include orutilize a sensor or respective sensors for sensing any one or more ofdarkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact suchas from a basketball hitting against the basketball backboard or theapparatus, a breaking of a light beam such as by a movement of abasketball, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which theapparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall,snowfall, and/or any other activity, occurrence, environmentalcondition, etc., which might lead one to desire to deploy and/or toretract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation ofthe activation device to either deploy or retract the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly can also be activated or controlled by orwith an automatic timer device.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoopassembly which can be retractable to a location within an interior of astructure.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly which can utilized for outdoor play, indoor play, orboth outdoor and indoor play.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly which can be deployed through an aperture of astructure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assemblywherein the assembly is moveable longitudinally during the deployment ofsame and/or during the retraction and/or storing of same.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoopassembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a storedposition by using an activation device.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoopassembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a storedposition by movement in a longitudinal direction.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assemblywhich can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a stored position bymovement in a longitudinal direction and/or along and/or within aguiding device.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for a retractable basketball backboard and hoopassembly which can be deployed for use and/or retracted to a storedposition by movement along a curved guiding device.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly wherein the assembly is installed and/or supported byan interior wall and/or other interior structure or device of a buildingor structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoopassembly wherein the assembly can be deployed through an aperturededicated for utilization in conjunction with the present invention.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly wherein the assembly can include a foldable backboardand/or a solid and/or non-foldable backboard.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly wherein the assembly can contain motorized components.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoopassembly wherein the assembly can facilitate an automated deployment ofsame.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly wherein the apparatus includes a control device forcontrolling the operation thereof.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a garage door openermotor as an activation device or mechanism.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoopassembly which can also be utilized with a garage door opener device ormechanism which can, in addition to and/or instead of being utilized toopen and/or close a garage door, can also be utilized to deploy thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly to an in-use position and/or toretract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to a stored positionor non-use position.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a computer or computersystem which can be utilized in order to perform an automated and/or aremote controlled deployment and/or storage of the basketball backboardand hoop assembly and/or the apparatus of the present invention.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly which can also be utilized with a sensor or sensorsfor sensing at least one of, or any one or more of, darkness, daylight,noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact against the basketballbackboard or the apparatus, a breaking of a light beam, motion in thevicinity of the structure in which the apparatus is mounted or to whichthe apparatus is mounted, rainfall, snowfall, motion in the vicinity ofthe apparatus, rainfall, snowfall, and/or an environmental condition.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand a method for providing a retractable basketball backboard and hoopassembly which can also be utilized with a control device which, uponautomatically ascertaining or determining a non-use of the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly, can automatically return the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly and/or any other components of the apparatusto a stored position or a non-use position.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and a method for providing a retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly the operation of which can be activated or controlledby or with an automatic timer device.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those individuals skilled in the art upon a review of the DescriptionOf The Preferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the Drawingswhich follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of a preferredembodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of theapparatus of FIG. 1 in a preferred embodiment folded state;

FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a preferred embodimentstored state;

FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of anotherpreferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly of theapparatus of FIG. 4 in a preferred embodiment folded state; and

FIG. 6 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 4 in a preferred embodimentstored state;

FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention wherein the drive mechanism is positioned above thesupport arm as shown;

FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention wherein the drive mechanism is positioned below thesupport arm as shown; and

FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention wherein the activation device is a garage door openermotor or device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for aretractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly and, in particular,to an apparatus for a retractable basketball backboard and hoop assemblywhich can be deployed from a stored position or non-use position to anin-use position and which can also be retractable from an in-useposition to a stored position or non-use position and a method of usingsame. In a preferred embodiment, the retractable basketball backboardand hoop assembly apparatus is mounted inside a structure and can bedeployed to a position outside the structure for use. When storage isdesired, the retractable basketball backboard and hoop assemblyapparatus can be retracted back inside the structure to a storedposition or non-use position. In another preferred embodiment, theretractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly can be mounted at anylocation inside or outside any structure and the retractable feature ofthe apparatus can be used in any desired manner to retract thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly to a stored position or non-useposition. In this manner, the apparatus of the present invention can beused for outdoor play and/or for indoor play depending upon the desiredapplication.

As used herein, the term “horizontally” means horizontally as well asessentially horizontally.

As used herein, the term “vertically” means vertically as well asessentially vertically.

Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter andteachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/504,150which teaches and discloses an apparatus and method for a retractablebasketball backboard and hoop assembly.

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the retractable basketballbackboard and hoop assembly apparatus which is the subject of thepresent invention and which is designated by the reference numeral 100.In FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 is shown in the in-use position. Withreference to FIG. 1, the retractable basketball backboard and hoopassembly apparatus 100 includes an activation device 1 which is utilizedto actuate and drive the drive mechanism 2. In the preferred embodimentof FIG. 1, the activation device 1 can be an electric motor, a garagedoor opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumatic device, avacuum device, or any electrically or mechanically actuated device,and/or any combination of the above-described devices.

The activation device 1, in the preferred embodiment, can also becapable of being activated and operated manually in the event of a powerfailure or device failure so as to deploy or retract the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention. In thisregard, any appropriate mechanical assemblies and/or devices (not shown)can be used in connection with the apparatus 100.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the drive mechanism 2 isconnected to or with, or mechanically linked to, the activation deviceor motor 1 so as to be directly driven by the activation device or motor1.

The apparatus 100 also includes a guiding device 3 which is supported bya pivot device 54. Guiding device 3 is used to support the support arm4. The support arm 4 is connected to and supports the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly 25.

The support arm 4 is slideably moveable along and/or within the guidingdevice 3. The support arm 4 has longitudinal slots 5 located along andthrough the sides thereof as shown. The support arm 4 is slideablysituated within the guiding device 3 by using support arm alignment bolt6, which is passed through the respective alignment bolt holes 7 locatedon both sides of the guiding device 3 and through the longitudinal slots5 of the support arm so as to provide for and/or facilitate theslideable movement of the support arm 4 along and/or within the guidingdevice 3. The alignment bolt 6 also serves to secure the support arm 4to the guiding device 3.

The support arm 4 can slide in both directions along and/or within theguiding device 3 by sliding along the longitudinal slots 5 along thealignment bolt 6 of the guiding device 3.

In another preferred embodiment, the support arm 4 can be designed andcan be built in sections which can allow for the support arm 4 to bedeployed and/or retracted telescopically.

The drive mechanism 2 is mechanically connected to or with, or coupledto, the support arm 4 via the coupling device 16 and serves to cause thesupport arm 4 to be longitudinally moveable along and/or within theguiding device 3 in both directions of movement.

The activation device 1/drive mechanism 2 is utilized, in the preferredembodiment, in order to drive or move the support arm 4 and thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 from a stored position ornon-use position to an in-use position and to drive or move the supportarm 4 and the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 from the in-useposition to a stored position or non-use position. In the preferredembodiment of FIG. 1, the activation device 1 is located and/or mountedadjacent to the guiding device 3 as shown, such as be using theactivation device support element 8.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, the basketball backboard and hoopassembly 25 is connected to the end of the support arm 4 which isopposite the end of the support arm 4 which is connected to the drivemechanism 2.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the basketball backboard and hoopassembly 25 includes a backboard 10 and a basketball hoop 11. Thebasketball hoop 11 has attached thereto a basketball net 12 which can bemanufactured from any suitable material. The basketball hoop 11 isattached to the backboard 10 and/or is attached to the support arm 4 viaa hoop support hinge 13. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the hoopsupport hinge 13 is capable of providing both horizontal and verticalmovement of the basketball hoop 11 relative to the backboard 10. Thehoop support hinge 13 can also facilitate any respective horizontaland/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy the hoop 11 from thestored position or non-use position to the in-use position and toretract the hoop 11 from the in-use position to the stored position ornon-use position.

In another preferred embodiment, the hoop 11 can be fixedly attached to,or directly connected with, the support arm 4 thereby dispensing withthe use of, and the need for, a hoop support hinge 13. In a preferredembodiment, the hoop 11 can be attached to the end of the support arm 4and/or at any other suitable location on the support arm 4.

In the preferred embodiment, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly25 is attached to the support arm 4 via the backboard pivot hinge 14.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, the top side of the support arm 4has a slotted elongate hole 15 therethrough for passage of couplingdevice 16 which is attached to the drive mechanism 2. The couplingdevice 16 is also attached to the backboard support bracket 17 whichbackboard support bracket 17 is also attached to the backside ornon-playing side of the backboard 10. The coupling device 16 is alsoattached to hoop deployment push arm 18 which hoop deployment push arm18 is also attached to the hoop 11. The hoop deployment push arm 18 canbe a telescopic device or can be telescoping in order to compensate forany as needed length changes during activation or deployment of the hoop11.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, the guiding device 3 is mounted tothe inside of the wall or roof 50 of the structure within which it ishoused. The apparatus 100 can be mounted within a building, aresidential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, anattic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any othersuitable structure. The guiding device 3 is mounted to the inside of thewall or roof 50 via mounting support arm 20 which, in the preferredembodiment, is attached to either side of the guiding device 3 as shownin FIG. 1.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, the mounting support arm 20 isconnected to the guiding device 3 by using any suitable hardware. Themounting support arm 20 is attached to the wall mounting bracket(s) 21which mounting bracket(s) 21 are attached to the inside of the wall orroof 50 by using any suitable hardware.

In another preferred embodiment, the guiding device 3 can be mounted tothe inside of the wall or roof 50 via any number of, or multiple,mounting support arms 20.

The mounting support arm 20, in the preferred embodiment, can be of afixed length. In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support arm20 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by using amounting support arm activation device or motor (not shown) so as toadjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device 3 and the supportarm 4, so as to be able to adjust the height of the basketball backboardand hoop assembly 25. In another preferred embodiment, the mountingsupport arm 20 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle ofinclination by using a mounting support arm manual adjustment device(not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guidingdevice 3 and the support arm 4, so as to be able to manually adjust theheight of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25.

In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 can be positioned insidea structure and behind a wall or roof such as wall or roof 50. Withreference once again to FIG. 1, the wall or roof 50 contains an aperture51 through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly and aportion of the support arm 4 can pass. The basketball backboard and hoopassembly 25 can be foldable in order to allow its passage through theaperture 51.

FIG. 2 illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 in apreferred embodiment folded state. It is to be understood, however, thatthe basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 can be folded in any otherappropriate or suitable manner.

It is to be understood that, although described as being stored within astructure when not in use, the apparatus 100 can also, in anotherpreferred embodiment, be located or positioned on an exterior of astructure or wall when not in use.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, the aperture 51 has associatedtherewith a hinged cover 52 which covers the aperture 51 when theapparatus 100 is not in use and/or is stored within the structure. Inthe preferred embodiment, the cover 52 can be spring biased by closingdevice 53 so as to cause the cover 52 to return to the closed positionupon the retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 tothe stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1, the cover 52 is shown as being located at the underside of theaperture 51 and opens downwardly. In another preferred embodiment, thecover 52 can be located at the upper side of the aperture 51 and canopen upwardly. In still another preferred embodiment, the cover 52 canbe located at either side of the aperture 51 and can open outwardly fromthe side of the aperture 51.

The aperture 51, in the preferred embodiment, is large enough tofacilitate the passing therethrough in both directions of the foldedbasketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 and the pertinent portion ofthe support arm 4.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, the guiding device 3, in thepreferred embodiment, is positioned horizontally or essentiallyhorizontally. In the preferred embodiment, the support arm 4 is alsopositioned horizontally or essentially horizontally. In this manner, inthe preferred embodiment, the support arm 4 and the basketball backboardand hoop assembly 25 are deployed horizontally or essentiallyhorizontally. In another preferred embodiment, the support arm 4 and thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 can be deployed at or alongany angle or angle of inclination. In another preferred embodiment, anyone or more of the guiding device 3 and/or the support arm 4 can bepositioned or mounted at or about any angle or any angle of inclination.

FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus 100 in its stored position or non-useposition inside the wall 50 of the structure. As shown in FIG. 3, thebackboard and hoop assembly 25 is folded when in the stored position ornon-use position.

The apparatus 100 can be utilized in the following manner. The apparatus100, when in the stored position or non-use position, as shown in FIG.3, can be deployed to the in-use position of FIG. 1 in the followingmanner. The activation device 1 which, in the preferred embodiment is anelectric motor, can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remotecontrol device in order to actuate and drive the drive mechanism 2.

The activation device 1 and the drive mechanism 2 are utilized to deploythe basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 to the in-use position inthe following manner. The drive mechanism 2, driven by the activationdevice 1, is driven or moved longitudinally in the direction away fromthe activation device 1 and thereby drives or moves the coupling device16 and, in turn, the backboard support bracket 17 in the same directionaway from the activation device 1.

The above-described movement of the backboard support bracket 17 drivesor moves the backboard 10. The above-described movement of the backboard10 exerts a force upon the pivot hinge 14 which, in turn, drives ormoves the support arm 4 along and/or within the guiding device 3,thereby driving or moving the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25in the longitudinal direction towards the in-use position. Theabove-described movement of the support arm 4 drives or moves the foldedbasketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 and the pertinent portion ofthe support arm 4 through the aperture 51 and to the exterior of thestructure. The support arm 4 slides along the guiding device 3 via thelongitudinal slots 5 passing along the alignment bolt 6 of the guidingdevice 3.

Once the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 is deployed tothe in-use position, the continued operation of the activation device 1and the corresponding continued driving or movement of the drivemechanism 2 and the coupling device 16 will drive or move the backboardsupport bracket 17, which continued driving or movement of the backboardsupport bracket 17 will cause the backboard 10 to unfold to the uprightand in-use position, and will drive or move the hoop deployment push arm18, which continued driving or movement of the hoop deployment push arm18 will drive or move the hoop 11 so as to deploy the hoop 11 to thein-use position as shown. The hoop 11 can be deployed eitherhorizontally or vertically, or in any combination of horizontal orvertical movement, as dictated by the type of hoop support hinge 13which is selected for use in the apparatus 100.

In the preferred embodiment wherein the hoop 11 is fixedly attached to,or connected with, the support arm 4, the use of, or need for, the hoopsupport hinge 13, and any need to perform any rotation of the hoop 11 inthe deployment or retraction operation or process, can be dispensed withentirely.

In the preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 2, the coupling device16, the support arm 4, the backboard support bracket 17, and the hoopdeployment push arm 18, are designed to be activated or actuatedsequentially, from the activation and movement of the drive mechanism 2,in the above-described order or sequence and/or in any other suitable orappropriate order or sequence.

The drive mechanism 2, in the preferred embodiment, drives or actuateseach of the coupling device 16, the support bracket 17, the backboard 10and the pivot hinge 14 and, in turn, the support arm 4 drives or movesthe basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 and the pertinent portionof the support arm 4 through the aperture 51, moving the cover 52 to theopen position in the process, and towards the in-use position until thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 reaches and is deployed to thein-use position. The continued operation of the drive mechanism 2 thendrives or moves the backboard support bracket 17 so as to move thebackboard 10 to the upright and in-use position, thereby unfolding thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly 25, and drives or moves the hoopdeployment push arm 18 so as to move the hoop 11 to the in-use position.

When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly25 to the stored position or non-use position, the above operation canbe performed in reverse. When retracting the basketball backboard andhoop assembly 25 to the stored position or non-use position, theactivation device 1 can be operated in reverse so as to drive or movethe drive mechanism 2, the coupling device 16 and, in turn, thebackboard support bracket 17, in the direction towards the activationdevice 1.

The movement of the coupling device 16 and the backboard support bracket17 will drive or move the hoop deployment push arm 18 in the directiontowards the activation device 1 thereby retracting or moving the hoop 11to the stored position or non-use position and will also cause thebackboard 10 to fold thereby returning the backboard and hoop assembly25 to the folded and/or stored position. Thereafter, the continuedmovement of the drive mechanism 2 and the coupling device 16 willretract the support arm 4 and the folded basketball backboard and hoopassembly 25 along the guiding device 3, through the aperture 51, andinto the interior of the structure until the support arm 4 and thefolded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 25 reaches the storedposition or non-use position.

As the support arm 4 and the folded basketball backboard and hoopassembly 25 passes into the interior of the structure, the closingdevice 53 of the cover 52 will cause the cover to close thereby coveringthe aperture 51.

In the preferred embodiment, the activation device 1 is used to performand/or control the deployment and retraction of the basketball backboardand hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the movement of thecoupling device 16, the support arm 4, the backboard support bracket 17,the backboard 10, the pivot hinge 14, and the hoop deployment push arm18. In another preferred embodiment, a separate activation device ormotor can be utilized in order to control and effectuate the movement ofany one or more of each of the coupling device 16, the support arm 4,the backboard support bracket 17, and the hoop deployment push arm 18.

In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motorscan be utilized in order to control and/or effectuate the movement ofany one or more of the coupling device 16, the support arm 4, thebackboard support bracket 17, the pivot hinge 14, and/or the hoopdeployment push arm 18. In another preferred embodiment, separateactivation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuatethe movement of each of the coupling device 16, the support arm 4, thebackboard support bracket 17, the pivot hinge 14, and/or the hoopdeployment push arm 18. In embodiments where multiple activation devicesor motors are utilized, a central control device can be used to controland effectuate the sequential activation and operation of each of therespective activation devices or motors.

In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in conjunction with a curved guiding deviceand a curved support arm. In this preferred embodiment, the manner inwhich the curved support arm deploys through the structure can allow foran adjustable backboard height. FIG. 4 illustrates another preferredembodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus ofFIG. 4 is designated by the reference numeral 300.

In FIG. 4, the apparatus 300 is shown in the in-use position. Withreference to FIG. 4, the retractable basketball backboard and hoopassembly apparatus 300 includes an activation device 301 which isutilized to actuate and drive the drive mechanism 302. In the preferredembodiment of FIG. 4, the actuating device 301 can be an electric motor,a garage door opener motor, a hydraulic motor or device, a pneumaticdevice, a vacuum device, or any mechanically actuated device, and/or anycombination of the above-described devices. The activation device 301,in the preferred embodiment, can also be capable of being activated andoperated manually in the event of a power failure or device failure soas to deploy or retract the basketball backboard and hoop assemblyapparatus of the present invention. In this regard, any appropriatemechanical assemblies and/or devices (not shown) can be used inconnection with the apparatus 300.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the drive mechanism 302 isconnected to or with, or mechanically linked to, the activation deviceor motor 301 so as to be directly driven by the activation device ormotor 301.

The apparatus 300 also includes a guiding device 303 which is supportedby a pivot device 354. Guiding device 303 is used to support the supportarm 304. In the apparatus 300 of FIG. 4, the guiding device 303 iscurved in shape as shown. It is important to note that the guidingdevice 303 can be shaped in any degree of curvature which is consistentwith its use in the apparatus 300 of the present invention. The supportarm 304 is connected to and supports the basketball backboard and hoopassembly 325.

The support arm 304 is slideably moveable along and/or within theguiding device 303. The support arm 304 is also curved in shape and hasa degree of curvature consistent with its use in conjunction with, or incombination with, the guiding device 303. The support arm 304 has curveslots 305 located along and through the sides thereof as shown. Thesupport arm 304 is slideably situated within the guiding device 303 byusing support arm alignment bolt 306, which is passed through therespective alignment bolt holes 307 located on both sides of the guidingdevice 303 and through the curved slots 305 of the support arm 304 so asto provide for and/or facilitate the slideable movement of the supportarm 304 along and/or within the guiding device 303. The alignment bolt306 also serves to secure the support arm 304 to the guiding device 303.

The support arm 304 can slide in both directions along and/or within theguiding device 303 by sliding along the curved slots 305 along thealignment bolt 306 of the guiding device 303.

In another preferred embodiment, the support arm 304 can be designed andcan be built in sections which can allow for the support arm 304 to bedeployed and/or retracted telescopically.

The drive mechanism 302 is mechanically connected to or with, or coupledto, the support arm 304 via the coupling device 316 and serves to causethe support arm 304 to be moveable along and/or within the guidingdevice 303 in both directions of movement. The activation device301/drive mechanism 302 is utilized, in the preferred embodiment, inorder to move the support arm 304 and the basketball backboard and hoopassembly 325 from a stored position or non-use position to an in-useposition and to drive or move the support arm 304 and the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly 325 from the in-use position to the storedposition or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, theactivation device 301 is located and/or mounted adjacent to the guidingdevice 303 as shown, such as be using the activation device supportelement 308.

With reference once again to FIG. 4, the basketball backboard and hoopassembly 325 is connected to the end of the support arm 304 which isopposite the end of the support arm 304 which is connected to the drivemechanism 302.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the basketball backboard and hoopassembly 325 includes a backboard 310 and a basketball hoop 311. Thebasketball hoop 311 has attached thereto a basketball net 312 which canbe manufactured from any suitable material. The basketball hoop 311 isattached to the backboard 310 or is attached to the support arm 304 viaa hoop support hinge 313. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, thehoop support hinge 313 is capable of providing both horizontal andvertical movement of the basketball hoop 311 relative to the backboard310. The hoop support hinge 313 can also facilitate any respectivehorizontal and/or vertical rotation needed in order to deploy the hoop311 from the stored position or non-use position to the in-use positionand from the in-use position to the stored position or non-use position.

In another preferred embodiment, the hoop 311 can be fixedly attachedto, or directly connected with, the support arm 304 thereby dispensingwith the use of, and the need for, a hoop support hinge 313. In apreferred embodiment, the hoop 311 can be attached to the end of thesupport arm 304 and/or at any other suitable location on the support arm304.

In the preferred embodiment, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly325 is attached to the support arm 304 via the backboard pivot hinge314.

With reference once again to FIG. 4, the top side of the support arm 304has a slotted elongated hole 315 therethrough for passage of couplingdevice 316 which is attached to the drive mechanism 302. The couplingdevice 316 is also attached to the backboard support bracket 317 whichbackboard support bracket 317 is also attached to the backside ornon-playing side of the backboard 310. The coupling device 316 is alsoattached to the hoop deployment push arm 318 which hoop deployment pusharm 318 is also attached to the hoop 311. The hoop deployment push arm318 can be a telescopic device or can be telescoping in order tocompensate for any as needed length changes during activation ordeployment of the hoop 311.

With reference once again to FIG. 4, the guiding device 303 is mountedto the inside of the wall or roof 350 of the structure within which itis housed. The apparatus 300 can be mounted within a building, aresidential building, a commercial building, a gymnasium, a garage, anattic of a building, a wall of a building, and/or within any othersuitable structure. The guiding device 303 is mounted to the inside ofthe wall or roof 350 via mounting support arm 320 which, in thepreferred embodiment, is attached to either side of the guiding device303 as shown in FIG. 4. With reference to FIG. 4, the mounting supportarm 320 is connected to the guiding device 303 by using any suitablehardware. In another preferred embodiment, the guiding device 303 can bemounted to the inside of the wall or roof 350 via any number of, ormultiple, mounting support arms 320.

With reference once again to FIG. 4, the mounting support arm 320 isconnected to the guiding device 303 by using any suitable hardware. Themounting support arm 320 is attached to the wall mounting bracket(s) 321which mounting bracket(s) 321 are attached to the inside of the wall orroof 350 by using any suitable hardware.

The mounting support arm 320, in the preferred embodiment, can be of afixed length. In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support arm320 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle of inclination by usinga mounting support arm activation device or motor (not shown) so as toadjust the angle of inclination of the guiding device 303 and thesupport arm 304, so as to be able to adjust the height of the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly 325. In another preferred embodiment, themounting support arm 320 can be adjustable in length and/or in angle ofinclination by using a mounting support arm manual adjustment device(not shown) so as to adjust the angle of inclination of the guidingdevice 303 and the support arm 304, so as to be able to manually adjustthe height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325.

In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 300 can be positioned insidea structure and behind a wall or roof such as wall or roof 350. Withreference once again to FIG. 4, the wall or roof 350 contains anaperture 351 through which the basketball backboard and hoop assembly325 and a portion of the support arm 304 can pass. The basketballbackboard and hoop assembly 325 can be foldable in order to allow itspassage through the aperture 351.

FIG. 5 illustrates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 in apreferred embodiment folded state. It is to be understood, however, thatthe basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 can be folded in anyother appropriate or suitable manner.

It is to be understood that, although described as being stored within astructure when not in use, the apparatus 300 can also, in anotherpreferred embodiment, be located or positioned on an exterior of astructure or wall when not in use.

With reference once again to FIG. 4, the aperture 351 has associatedtherewith a hinged cover 352 which covers the aperture 351 when theapparatus 300 is not in use and/or stored within the structure. In thepreferred embodiment, the cover 352 can be spring biased by closingdevice 353 so as to cause the cover 352 to return to the closed positionupon the retraction of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 tothe stored position or non-use position. In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 4, the cover 352 is shown as being located at the underside of theaperture 351 and opens downwardly. In another preferred embodiment, thecover 352 can be located at the upper side of the aperture 351 and canopen upwardly. In still another preferred embodiment, the cover 352 canbe located at either side of the aperture 351 and can open outwardlyfrom the side of the aperture 351.

The aperture 351, in the preferred embodiment, is large enough tofacilitate the passing therethrough in both directions of the foldedbasketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 and the pertinent portion ofthe support arm 304.

With reference once again to FIG. 4, the guiding device 303 and thesupport arm 304 are positioned as shown. In this manner, in thepreferred embodiment, the support arm 304 and the basketball backboardand hoop assembly 325 can be deployed in any appropriate manner and/orcan be deployed horizontally, essentially horizontally, or at or alongany desired angle, or at or along any angle of inclination. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the support arm 304 and the basketball backboardand hoop assembly 325 can be deployed at or along any angle or any angleof inclination. In another preferred embodiment, any one or more of theguiding device 303 and/or the support arm 304 can be positioned ormounted at or about any angle or any angle of inclination.

FIG. 6 illustrates the apparatus 300 in its stored position inside thewall 350 of the structure. As shown in FIG. 6, the backboard and hoopassembly 325 is folded, as shown, when in the stored position or non-useposition.

The apparatus 300 can be utilized in the following manner. The apparatus300, when in the stored position or non-use position, as shown in FIG.6, can be deployed to the in-use of FIG. 4 in the following manner. Theactivation device 301 which, in the preferred embodiment, is an electricmotor, can be activated by a switch or by a wireless remote controldevice in order to actuate and drive the drive mechanism 302.

The activation device 301 and the drive mechanism 302 are utilized todeploy the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 to the in-useposition in the following manner. The drive mechanism 302, driven by theactivation device 301, is driven or moved in the direction away from theactivation device 301 and thereby drives or moves the coupling device316 and, in turn, the backboard support bracket 317 in the samedirection away from the activation device 301.

The above-described movement of the backboard support bracket 317 drivesor moves the backboard 310. The above-described movement of thebackboard 310 exerts a force upon the pivot hinge 314 which, in turn,drives or moves the support arm 304 along and/or within the guidingdevice 303, thereby driving or moving the basketball backboard and hoopassembly 325 in the direction towards the in-use position. Theabove-described movement of the support arm 304 drives or moves thefolded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 and the pertinentportion of the support arm 304 through the aperture 351 and to theexterior of the structure. The support arm 304 slides along the guidingdevice 303 via the curved slots 305 passing along the alignment bolt 306of the guiding device 303.

Once the folded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 is deployedto the in-use position, the continued operation of the activation device301 and the corresponding continued driving or movement of the drivemechanism 302 and the coupling device 316 will drive or move thebackboard support bracket 317, which continued driving or movement ofthe backboard support bracket 317 will cause the backboard 310 to unfoldto an upright and in-use position, and drive or move the hoop deploymentpush arm 318, which continued driving or movement of the hoop deploymentpush arm 318 will drive or move the hoop 311 so as to deploy the hoop311 to the in-use position as shown. The hoop 311 can be deployed eitherhorizontally or vertically, or in any combination of horizontal orvertical movement, as dictated by the type of hoop support hinge 313which is selected for use in the apparatus 300.

In the preferred embodiment wherein the hoop 311 is fixedly attached to,or connected with, the support arm 304, the use of, or need for, thehoop support hinge 313, and any need to perform any rotation of the hoop311 in the deployment or retraction operation or process, can bedispensed with entirely.

In the preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 302, the couplingdevice 316, the support arm 304, the backboard support bracket 317, andthe hoop deployment push arm 318, are designed to be activated oractuated sequentially, from the activation and movement of the drivemechanism 302, in the above-described order or sequence and/or in anyother suitable or appropriate order or sequence.

The drive mechanism 302, in the preferred embodiment, drives or actuateseach of the coupling device 316, the support bracket 317, the backboard310 and the pivot hinge 314 and, in turn, the support arm 304 drives ormoves the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 and the pertinentportion of the support arm 304 through the aperture 351, moving thecover 352 to the open position in the process, and towards the in-useposition until the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 reachesand is deployed to the in-use position. The continued operation of thedrive mechanism 302 then drives or moves the backboard support bracket317 so as to move the backboard 310 to the upright and in-use position,thereby unfolding the basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325, anddrives or moves the hoop deployment push arm 318 so as to move the hoopto the in-use position.

When it is desired to retract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly325 to the stored position or non-use position, the above operation canbe performed in reverse. When retracting the basketball backboard andhoop assembly 325 to the stored position or non-use position, theactivation device 301 can be operated in reverse so as to drive or movethe drive mechanism 302, the coupling device 316 and, in turn, thebackboard support bracket 317, in the direction towards the activationdevice 301. The driving or movement of the coupling device 316 and thebackboard support bracket 317 will drive or move the hoop deploymentpush arm 318 in the direction towards the activation device 301 therebyretracting or moving the hoop 311 to the stored position or non-useposition and will also cause the backboard 310 to fold thereby returningthe backboard and hoop assembly 325 to the folded and/or storedposition. Thereafter, the continued movement of the drive mechanism 302and the coupling device 316 will retract the support arm 304 and thefolded basketball backboard and hoop assembly 325 along the guidingdevice 303, through the aperture 351, and into the interior of thestructure until the support arm 304 and the folded basketball backboardand hoop assembly 325 reaches the stored position or non-use position.As the support arm 304 and the folded basketball backboard and hoopassembly 325 passes into the interior of the structure, the closingdevice 353 of the cover 352 will cause the cover to close therebycovering the aperture 351.

In the preferred embodiment, the activation device 301 is used toperform and/or control the deployment and retraction of the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly by controlling and effectuating the movementof the coupling device 316, the support arm 304, the backboard supportbracket 317, the backboard 310, the pivot hinge 314, and the hoopdeployment push arm 318.

In another preferred embodiment, separate activation devices or motorscan be utilized in order to control and effectuate the movement of anyone or more of the coupling device 316, the support arm 304, thebackboard support bracket 317, the pivot hinge 314, and/or the hoopdeployment push arm 318. In another preferred embodiment, separateactivation devices or motors can be utilized to control and effectuatethe movement of each of the coupling device 316, the support arm 304,the backboard support bracket 317, the backboard 310, the pivot hinge314, and/or the hoop deployment push arm 318. In embodiments wheremultiple activation devices or motors are utilized, a central controldevice can be used to control and effectuate the sequential activationand/or operation of each of the respective activation devices or motors.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the height of the deployed basketballbackboard and hoop assembly 325 can be adjustable depending upon theamount by which the support arm 304 is moved along the guiding device303 and or by adjustment of the mounting support arm 320 or mountingsupport arms 320.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation ofthe respective apparatuses described herein can be activatedautomatically so that the basketball backboard and hoop assembly can bedeployed to the in-use position automatically and/or so that thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly can be retracted to the storedposition or non-use position automatically. In such an embodiment, therespective activation device can be activated by a switching devicewhich can include or utilize a sensor for sensing any one or more ofdarkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player, an impact suchas from a basketball hitting against the basketball backboard or theapparatus, a breaking of a light beam such as by a movement of abasketball, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which theapparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall,snowfall, and/or any other activity, occurrence, environmentalcondition, etc., which might lead one to desire to deploy and/or toretract the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.

In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the operation ofthe activation device to either deploy and/or retract the basketballbackboard and hoop assembly can be activated or controlled by or with anautomatic timer device.

In another preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 2 of FIG. 1 can bepositioned or located above the support arm 4. FIG. 7 illustratesanother preferred embodiment of the apparatus 100 of the presentinvention wherein the drive mechanism 2 is positioned above the supportarm 4 as shown.

In another preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 2 of FIG. 1 can bepositioned or located below the support arm 4. FIG. 8 illustratesanother preferred embodiment of the apparatus 100 of the presentinvention wherein the drive mechanism 2 is positioned below the supportarm 4 as shown.

In another preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 1 of FIG. 1 canalso be utilized to activate and drive a garage door or other suitabledoor. In this preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 1 can be agarage door opener motor which can be adapted for the dual purpose useof controlling and/or operating a garage door or other suitable door,associated with the structure, as well as controlling and/or operatingthe retractable basketball backboard and hoop assembly apparatus of thepresent invention. FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment ofthe apparatus of the present invention wherein the activation device isa garage door opener motor or device adapted for the dual purpose use ofcontrolling and/or operating a garage door or other suitable door, aswell as controlling and/or operating the retractable basketballbackboard and hoop assembly apparatus of the present invention.

While the apparatus and method of the present invention has beendescribed and illustrated in various preferred embodiments, such areonly illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construedto be limitations thereof. Accordingly, the present inventionencompasses any and all alternate embodiments, modifications, and/orvariations, with the scope of the present invention being limited onlyby the claims which follow.

1. A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus, comprising: a basketballbackboard and hoop assembly, wherein the basketball backboard and hoopassembly, further comprises: a backboard; and a hoop; a support arm forsupporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly; and a guidingdevice, wherein the support arm is moveable along the guiding device;wherein at least one of the support arm and the guiding device is curvedin shape, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is movedfrom a first position inside the structure to a second position outsidethe structure.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the height of thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly is adjustable depending upon theamount of the support arm from the first position.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the support arm is moved along the guiding device in anopposite direction, and further wherein the basketball backboard andhoop assembly is moved from the second position to a stored position. 4.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the basketball backboard and hoopassembly is deployed for outside use.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the support structure further comprises: at least one mountingelement for mounting the guiding device to a structure.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly is movedthrough a dedicated aperture.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thebasketball backboard and hoop assembly is deployed for indoor use. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backboard is a foldable backboard.9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a backboard supportmember, wherein the backboard support member deploys the backboard to anin-use position.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: ahoop deployment member, wherein the hoop deployment member deploys thehoop to an in-use position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein thebackboard support member facilitates the folding of the backboard priorto storage.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at leastone activation device for facilitating at least one of an automateddeployment of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly to the secondposition and an automated retraction of the basketball backboard andhoop assembly to the first position.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the at least one activation device is at least one of a motor,an electric motor, a garage door opener, a hydraulic device, a vacuumdevice, and a pneumatic device.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe at least one activation device is activated by at least one of aswitch, a remote control device, and a wireless device.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one activation device isactivated by an automatic timer.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe at least one activation device is activated by a sensor for sensingat least one of darkness, daylight, noise, infrared heat from a player,an impact against the basketball backboard or the apparatus, a breakingof a light beam, motion in the vicinity of the structure in which theapparatus is mounted or to which the apparatus is mounted, rainfall,snowfall, motion in the vicinity of the apparatus, rainfall, snowfall,and an environmental condition.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: at least one mechanical device for facilitating at least oneof a deployment of the backboard and hoop assembly to the secondposition and a retraction of the backboard and hoop assembly to thefirst position.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe apparatus, the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and thesupport structure, is manufactured from at least one of metal, steel,wood, plastic, plastic composite material, metal alloy material, metalalloy composite material, and fiberglass.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the backboard is an unfoldable backboard.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: at least one mounting support element formounting the guiding device to a structure, wherein the at least onemounting support element adjusts an incline of at least one the guidingdevice and the support arm.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein theat least one mounting support element facilitates adjusting the heightof the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein the at least one mounting support element isadjustable during deployment of the basketball backboard and hoopassembly.
 23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the hoop is rotatablyconnected to the backboard and further wherein the hoop is automaticallyrotated to an in-use position.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, furthercomprising: a hinge device capable of rotating vertically andhorizontally, wherein the hinge device connects the hoop to thebackboard or to the support arm.
 25. The apparatus of claim 20, whereinthe at least one mounting support element is at least one of adjustedand activated by at least one of the activation device and a secondactivation device.
 26. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at leastone mounting support element is at least one of adjusted and activatedusing a manual device.
 27. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a coupling device for coupling the at least one activation device to thesupport arm; a backboard support member for deploying the backboard toan in-use position; and a hoop deployment member for deploying the hoopto an in-use position, wherein the coupling device, the support arm, thebackboard support member, and the hoop deployment member, are activatedby the at least one activation device.
 28. A basketball backboard andhoop apparatus, comprising: a basketball backboard and hoop assembly; asupport arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly;wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further comprises: abackboard; and a hoop; a guiding device, wherein the support arm ismoveable along the guiding device; and an activation device for movingthe support arm, wherein at least one of the support arm and the guidingdevice is curved in shape, wherein the basketball backboard and hoopassembly is moved from a first position inside the structure to a secondposition outside the structure.
 29. A basketball backboard and hoopapparatus, comprising: a basketball backboard and hoop assembly; asupport arm for supporting the basketball backboard and hoop assembly;wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, further comprises: abackboard; and a hoop; wherein the apparatus further comprises: aguiding device, wherein the support arm is moveable along the guidingdevice; wherein at least one of the support arm and the guiding deviceis curved in shape, wherein the basketball backboard and hoop assemblyis moved from a first position inside the structure to a second positionoutside the structure.